Laundry scent additive

ABSTRACT

A laundry scent additive having polyethylene glycol and perfume. The laundry scent additive enables consumers to control the amount of scent imparted to their laundry.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to products to freshen laundry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a segment of consumers that prefer a strong perfume scent totheir laundry. These so called “scent seekers” will often over doselaundry products such as laundry detergent and fabric softener toprovide the desired freshness to their laundry. There is a need toprovide a perfume scent additive product to consumer that will providefreshness to laundry. Such scent additive needs to be able to be appliedby the consumer, independent of other laundry products, to achieve thedesired scent level in a cost effective manner

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention can be a composition consistingessentially of: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of thecomposition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol hasa molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2%to about 12% by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) fromabout 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfumemicrocapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulatedperfume; wherein the composition is shaped in a pastille having a massfrom about 0.95 mg to about 2 g.

An additional embodiment of the invention can be a unit dose of a fabrictreatment composition comprising a plurality of pastilles, wherein eachpastille comprises: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of thecomposition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol hasa molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2%to about 12% by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) fromabout 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfumemicrocapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulatedperfume; wherein each pastille has a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2g; and wherein the plurality of pastilles has a mass from about 13 g toabout 27 g to comprise the unit dose.

An additional embodiment of the invention can be a compositionconsisting essentially of: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight ofthe composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycolhas a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; and (b) fromabout 9% to about 20 wt % of friable perfume microcapsule, wherein theperfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein thecomposition is essentially free of free perfume; and wherein thecomposition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg toabout 2 g.

An additional embodiment of the invention can be a compositionconsisting essentially of: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight ofthe composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycolhas a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; and (b) fromabout 9% to about 20% by weight of the composition free perfume; whereinthe composition is essentially free of a perfume carrier; and whereinthe composition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mgto about 2 g.

An additional embodiment of the invention can be a method of making acomposition comprising the steps of: providing a viscous material havinga glass transition temperature ,the viscous material comprising: (a)from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethyleneglycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight fromabout 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight ofthe composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% byweight of the composition of perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfumemicrocapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; providing the viscousmaterial at a processing temperature less than about 20 degrees Celsiushigher than the glass transition temperature; and passing the viscousmaterial through small openings and onto a moving conveyor surface uponwhich the viscous material is cooled below the glass transitiontemperature to form a plurality of pastilles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a pastillation apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The compositions of the present invention may comprise: polyethyleneglycol; free perfume and/or perfume microcapsules; and optionally a dye.In one embodiment, the composition is essentially free of detergentsurfactants and/or fabric softening actives.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has a relatively low cost, may be formed intomany different shapes and sizes, minimizes free perfume diffusion, anddissolves well in water. PEG comes in various molecular weights. Asuitable molecular weight range of PEG for the purposes of fresheninglaundry includes from about 3,000 to about 13,000, from about 4,000 toabout 12,000, alternatively from about 5,000 to about 11,000,alternatively from about 6,000 to about 10,000, alternatively from about6,000 to about 10,000, alternatively from about 7,000 to about 9,000,alternatively combinations thereof. PEG is available from BASF, forexample PLURIOL E 8000.

The compositions of the present invention may comprise from about 65% toabout 99% by weight of the composition of PEG. Alternatively, thecomposition can comprise from about 80% to about 91%, alternatively fromabout 85% to about 91%, more than about 75%, alternatively from about70% to about 98%, alternatively from about 80% to about 95%,alternatively combinations thereof, of PEG by weight of the composition.

Free Perfume

The compositions of the present invention may comprise a free perfumeand/or a perfume microcapsule. Perfumes are generally described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,186,680 at column 10, line 56, to column 25, line 22. In oneembodiment, the composition comprises free perfume and is essentiallyfree of perfume carriers, such as a perfume microcapsule. In yet anotherembodiment, the composition comprises perfume carrier materials (andperfume contained therein). Examples of perfume carrier materials aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,680, column 25, line 23, to column 31,line 7. Specific examples of perfume carrier materials may includecyclodextrin and zeolites.

The zeolite can have a structural formula based on a crystal unit cellhaving a smallest unit of structure of Mm/n[AlO₂)m(SiO₂)y]H₂O, where nis the valence of cation M, x is the number of water molecules per unitcell, m and y are the total number of tetrahedra per unit cell, and y/mis 1 to 5.

Non-limiting examples of the preferred enduring perfume ingredients ofthe present invention include: benzyl salicylate, adoxal, allylcyclohexane propionate (trade name for allyl-3-cyclohexyl propionate),alpha damascone, ambrettolide (trade name foroxacycloheptadec-10-en-2-one), ambretone (trade name for5-cyclohexadecen-1-one), ambroxan, amyl cinnamic aldehyde,amyl cinnamicaldehyde dimethyl acetal, amyl salicylate, ambrinol 20t (trade name for2,5,5-trimethyl-octahydro-2-naphthol), iso E super (trade name for7-acetyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,1,6,7,tetramethylnaphthalene),anandol (trade name for2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-2-buten-1-ol), aurantiol(trade name for hydroxycitronellal-methyl anthranilate), benzylbenzoate, nirvanol (trade name for 4-penten-2-ol,3,3-dimethyl-5-(2,2,3trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-), undecalactone (trade name for4-N-heptyl-4-hydroxybutanoic acid lactone), beta naphthol methyl ether,bourgeonal (trade name for 3-(4-tert butylphenyl)-propanal),cyclohexadecenone (trade name for cis-/trans-cyclohexadec-8-en-1-one),caryophyllene extra, methyl cedrylone (trade name for methyl cedrenylketone), neobutenone (trade name for 4-penten-1-one,1-(5,5-dimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)), cedramber, cedac (trade name forcedrynyl acetate), cedrol (trade name foroctahydro-3,6,8,8-tetramethyl-1H-3A,7-methanoazulen-6-ol), musk C-14(trade name for ethylene dodecane dioate), cis-3-hexenyl salicylate(trade name for beta, gamma-hexenyl salicylate), citrathal, citronellylpropionate, galaxolide (trade name for1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethlycyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyrane),cyclohexyl salicylate, cymal (trade name for 2-methyl-3-(para iso propylphenyl)propionaldehyde), damascone beta (trade name for1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)-2-buten-1-one), damascenone (tradename for 1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadien-1-yl)-2-buten-1-one),delta damascone (trade name for1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-3-cyclo-hexen-1-yl)-2-buten-1-one), dihydro isojasmonate, diphenyl methane, dupical (trade name for 4-(tricyclo(5.2.1.02,6)decylidene-8)-butanal), diphenyl oxide, gamma-dodecalactone (tradename for 4-N-octyl-4-hydroxy-butanoic acid lactone),delta-dodecalactone, ethyl cinnamate, ebanol, ethylene brassylate (tradename for ethylene tridecan-1,13-dioate), florhydral (trade name for3-(3-isopropylphenyl)butanol), habanolide (trade name foroxacyclohexadec-12+13-en-2-one), hexyl cinnamic aldehyde (trade name foralpha-n-hexyl cinnamic aldehyde), hexyl salicylate, hydroxyambran (tradename for 2-cyclododecyl-propanol), ionone alpha (trade name for4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one), ionone beta(trade name for 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-butene-2-one),ionone gamma methyl (trade name for4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexyl-1-yl)-3-methyl-3-buten-2-one), iononemethyl, iralia, iso butyl quinoline, lauric aldehyde, p. t. bucinal(trade name for 2-methyl-3(para tertbutylphenyl)propionaldehyde), muskketone, musk indanone (trade name for 4-acetyl-6-tert butyl-1,1-dimethylindane), musk plus (trade name for 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyltetralin), octalynol (trade name for 1-naphthalenol,1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a,octahydro-2,2,6,8-tetramethyl), ozonil (trade name fortridecen-2-nitrile), phantolide (trade name for5-acetyl-1,1,2,3,3,6-hexamethylindan), phenafleur (trade name forcyclohexyl phenyl ethyl ether), phenyl ethyl benzoate, phenyl ethylphenyl acetate (trade name for 2-phenylethyl phenyl acetate), vetiverylacetate, sandalwood, amyl benzoate, amyl cinnamate, cadinene, cedrylacetate, cedryl formate, cinnamyl cinnamate, cyclamen aldehyde,exaltolide (trade name for 15-hydroxypentadecanoic acid, lactone),geranyl anthranilate, hexadecanolide, hexenyl salicylate, linaylbenzoate, 2-methoxy naphthalene, methyl cinnamate, methyldihydrojasmonate, beta-methyl napthyl ketone, musk tibetine, myristicin,delta-nonalactone, oxahexadecanolide-10, oxahexadecanolide-11, patchoulialcohol, phenyl heptanol, phenyl hexanol (trade name for3-methyl-5-phenylpentanol), alpha-santalol, thibetolide (trade name for15-hydroxypentadecanoic acid, lactone), delta-undecalactone,gamma-undecalactone, yara-yara, methyl-N-methyl anthranilate, benzylbutyrate, benzyl iso valerate, citronellyl isobutyrate, deltanonalactone, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, dodecanal, geranylacetate (trade name for 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-yl acetate), geranylisobutyrate, gamma-ionone, para-isopropyl phenylacetaldehyde, tonalid(trade name for 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl tetralin), iso-amylsalicylate, ethyl undecylenate, benzophenone, beta-caryophyllene,dodecalactone, lilial (trade name for para-tertiary-butyl-alpha-methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde), and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises free (neat) perfume but isfree or essentially free of a perfume carrier. In such an embodiment,the composition may comprise less than about 20%, alternatively lessthan about 25%, alternatively from about 9% to about 20%, alternativelyfrom about 10% to about 18%, alternatively from about 11% to about 13%,alternatively combinations thereof, of free perfume by weight of thecomposition.

In one embodiment, the composition consists essentially of: (a) fromabout 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethyleneglycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight fromabout 5,000 to about 11,000; and (b) from about 9% to about 20% byweight of the composition free perfume; wherein the composition isessentially free of a perfume carrier; and wherein the composition isshaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g. Inan alternative embodiment, the composition consists essentially of: (a)more than about 75% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol,wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000to about 11,000; and (b) less than about 25% by weight of thecomposition free perfume; wherein the composition is essentially free ofa perfume carrier; and wherein the composition is shaped in a pastillehaving a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises free perfume andperfume microcapsules. In this embodiment, the composition may comprisefrom about 2% to about 12%, alternatively from about 1% to about 10%,alternatively from about 3% to about 8%, alternatively from about 4% toabout 7%, alternatively from about 5% to about 7%, alternativelycombinations thereof, of the free perfume by weight of the composition.

In yet another embodiment, the composition comprises free (neat) perfumeand a perfume microcapsule but is free or essentially free of otherperfume carriers.

Perfume Microcapsules

The compositions of the present invention can comprise perfume oilencapsulated in a perfume microcapsule (PMC). The PMC can be a friablePMC. The term “PMC” and “perfume microcapsule” are used interchangeablyand refers to a plurality of perfume microcapsules. Suitable perfumemicrocapsules and perfume nanocapsules can include: U.S. Pat. Nos.2003215417 A1; 2003216488 A1; 2003158344 A1; 2003165692 A1; 2004071742A1; 2004071746 A1; 2004072719 A1; 2004072720 A1; 2003203829 A1;2003195133 A1; 2004087477 A1; and 20040106536 A1; U.S. Pat. Nos.6,645,479; 6,200,949; 4,882,220; 4,917,920; 4,514,461; and 4,234,627;and U.S. Re. 32,713, and European Patent Publication EP 1393706 A1.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “perfume microcapsules”or “PMC” describes both perfume microcapsules and perfume nanocapsules.The PMCs can be friable (verses, for example, moisture activated PMCs).The PMCs can be moisture activated.

In one embodiment, the PMC comprises a melamine/formaldehyde shell.Encapsulated perfume and/or PMC may be obtained from Appleton, QuestInternational, or International Flavor & Fragrances, or other suitablesource. In one embodiment, the PMC shell is coated with polymer toenhance the ability of the PMCs to adhere to fabric, as describe in U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,125,835; 7,196,049; and 7,119,057.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises a PMC but is free oressentially free or free of (neat) perfume. In such an embodiment, thecomposition may comprise less than about 20%, alternatively less thanabout 25%, alternatively from about 9% to about 20%, alternatively fromabout 9% to about 15%, alternatively from about 10% to about 14%,alternatively from about 11% to about 13%, alternatively combinationsthereof, of PMC (including the encapsulated perfume) by weight of thecomposition. In such an embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMCmay comprise from about 0.6% to about 4% of perfume by weight of thecomposition.

In one embodiment, the composition consists essentially of: (a) fromabout 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethyleneglycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight fromabout 5,000 to about 11,000; and (b) from about 9% to about 20% byweight of the composition of a friable perfume microcapsule, wherein theperfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein thecomposition is essentially free of free perfume; and wherein thecomposition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg toabout 2 g. In such an embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMCmay comprise from about 0.6% to about 4% of perfume by weight of thecomposition.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises PMC and free perfume.In such an embodiment, the composition may comprise from about 1% toabout 10%, alternatively from about 2% to about 12%, alternatively fromabout 2% to about 8%, alternatively from about 3% to about 8%,alternatively from about 4% to about 7%, alternatively from about 5% toabout 7%, alternatively combinations thereof, of PMC (including theencapsulated perfume) by weight of the composition. In this embodiment,the perfume encapsulated by the PMC may comprise from about 0.6% toabout 4% of perfume by weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the composition may consist essentially of: (a) fromabout 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethyleneglycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight fromabout 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight ofthe composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% byweight of the composition of friable perfume microcapsule, wherein theperfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein thecomposition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg toabout 2 g. In this embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMC maycomprise from about 0.6% to about 4% of perfume by weight of thecomposition.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises (a) from about 80% to about91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein thepolyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition freeperfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the compositionof a friable perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsulecomprises encapsulated perfume; wherein the composition is shaped in apastille, each of the pastilles has a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2g. Such a formulation is thought to provide for a balanced scentexperience to the user of the composition. With the level ofpolyethylene glycol between about 80% and about 91% by weight of thecomposition, the about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition offree perfume can provide for a pleasant scent experience to the userupon opening of the package containing the composition and as the userpours the composition into a dosing device and transfers the compositionto her washing machine. That is the user can experience the scent at anappreciably detectable level but is not overwhelmed by the scent.Similarly, the about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition offriable perfume microcapsule can provide physical and/or chemicalstability of the pastille and for a sufficient quantity of friableperfume microcapsule to deposit on a user's clothing during washing whenthe pastilles are applied in the wash in a unit dose. Further, it can bebeneficial for the composition to consist essentially of the aboveingredients at the prescribed levels as additional components mightinterfere with the physical and/or chemical stability of the pastillesand recognizing that other components, such as surfactants, fabricsofteners, or other such ingredients, might be delivered by othermechanisms, such as the detergent or dryer added product, and therewould be the potential that the user might over apply such ingredientsduring washing and/or drying.

In yet another embodiment, the composition can comprise perfumemicrocapsule but is free or essentially free of other perfume carriersand/or free (neat) perfume. In yet still another embodiment, thecomposition may comprise a formaldehyde scavenger. In yet still anotherembodiment, the scent of the present composition is coordinated withscent(s) of other fabric care products (e.g., laundry detergent, fabricsoftener). This way, consumers who like APRIL FRESH scent, may use apastille having an APRIL FRESH scent, thereby coordinating the scentexperience of washing their laundry with their scent experience fromusing APRIL FRESH. The pastilles of the present invention may be sold asa product array (with laundry detergent and/or fabric softener) havingcoordinated scents.

Dye

The composition may comprise dye. The dye may include those that aretypically used in laundry detergent or fabric softeners. The compositionmay comprises from about 0.001% to about 0.1%, alternatively from about0.01% to about 0.02%, alternatively combinations thereof, of dye byweight of the composition. An example of a dye includes LIQUITINT BLUEBL from Millikin Chemical.

Free of Laundry Actives and Softeners

The composition may be free of laundry active and/or fabric softeneractives. To reduce costs and avoid formulation capability issues, oneaspect of the invention may include compositions that are free oressentially free of laundry actives and/or fabric softener actives. Inone embodiment, the composition comprises less than about 3%,alternatively less than about 2% by weight of the composition,alternatively less than about 1% by weight of the composition,alternatively less than about 0.1% by weight of the composition,alternatively are about free, of laundry actives and/or fabric softeneractives (or combinations thereof). A laundry active includes: detergentsurfactants, detergent builders, bleaching agents, enzymes, mixturesthereof, and the like. It is appreciated that a non-detersive level ofsurfactant may be used to help solubilize perfume contained in thecomposition.

Pastilles

The composition of the present invention may be formed into pastilles bythose methods known in the art, including methods disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,013,498 and 5,770,235. The composition of the present inventionmay be prepared in either batch or continuous mode. In batch mode,molten PEG is loaded into a mixing vessel having temperature control.PMC is then added and mixed with PEG until homogeneous. Perfume is thenadded to the vessel and the components are further mixed for a period oftime until the entire mixture is homogeneous. In continuous mode, moltenPEG is mixed with perfume and PMC in an in-line mixer such as a staticmixer or a high shear mixer and the resulting homogeneous mixture isthen used for pastillation. PMC and perfume can be added to PEG in anyorder or simultaneously and dye can be added at a step prior topastillation.

The pastilles may be formed into different shapes include tablets,pills, spheres, and the like. A pastille can have a shape selected fromthe group consisting of spherical, hemispherical, compressedhemispherical, lentil shaped, and oblong. Lentil shaped refers to theshape of a lentil bean. Compressed hemispherical refers to a shapecorresponding to a hemisphere that is at least partially flattened suchthat the curvature of the curved surface is less, on average, than thecurvature of a hemisphere having the same radius. A compressedhemispherical pastille can have a ratio of height to diameter of fromabout 0.01 to about 0.4, alternatively from about 0.1 to about 0.4,alternatively from about 0.2 to about 0.3. Oblong shaped refers to ashape having a maximum dimension and a maximum secondary dimensionorthogonal to the maximum dimension, wherein the ratio of maximumdimension to the maximum secondary dimension is greater than about 1.2.An oblong shape can have a ratio of maximum dimension to maximumsecondary dimension greater than about 1.5. An oblong shape can have aratio of maximum dimension to maximum secondary dimension greater thanabout 2. Oblong shaped particles can have a maximum dimension from about2 mm to about 6 mm, a maximum secondary dimension of from about 2 mm toabout 4 mm.

In alternative embodiments of any of the formulations disclosed herein,each individual pastille can h-ave a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2g, alternatively from about 10 mg to about 1 g, alternatively from about10 mg to about 500 mg, alternatively from about 10 mg to about 250 mg,alternatively from about 0.95 mg to about 125 mg, alternativelycombinations thereof. In a plurality of pastilles, individual pastillescan have a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical,hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, lentil shaped, and oblong.

An individual pastille may have a volume from about 0.003 cm³ to about0.15 cm³. A plurality of pastilles may collectively comprise a unit dosefor dosing to a laundry washing machine or laundry was basin. A singleunit dose of the pastilles may comprise from about 13 g to about 27 g,alternatively from about 14 g to about 20 g, alternatively from about 15g to about 19 g, alternatively from about 16 g to about 18 g,alternatively combinations thereof. The individual pastilles forming theplurality of pastilles that make up the unit dose can each have a massfrom about 0.95 mg to about 2 g. The plurality of pastilles can be madeup of pastilles of different size, shape, and/or mass. The pastilles ina unit dose can have a maximum dimension less than about 1 centimeter.

The composition may be manufactured by a pastillation process. Aschematic of a pastillation apparatus 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1 . Thesteps of manufacturing according to such process can comprise providingthe desired formulation as a viscous material 50. The viscous material50 can comprise or consists of any of the possible formulationsdisclosed herein. In one embodiment, the viscous material 50 comprises:(a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition ofpolyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecularweight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12%by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% toabout 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfume microcapsule,wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume. Theviscous material 50 can be provided at a processing temperature lessthan about 20 degrees Celsius above the onset of solidificationtemperature as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.

In one embodiment, the PMC can be added as a slurry to the polyethyleneglycol and free perfume to form the viscous material 50. The PMC can beadded as a powder to the polyethylene glycol and free perfume to formthe viscous material 50. The viscous material 50 is passed through smallopenings 10 and onto a moving conveyor surface 20 upon which the viscousmaterial 50 is cooled below the glass transition temperature to form aplurality of pastilles 30. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the small openings10 can be on a rotatable pastillation roll 5. Viscous material 50 can bedistributed to the small openings 10 by a viscous material distributor40. Pastilles can be formed on a ROTOFORMER, available from SandvikMaterials Technology.

Package

A unit dose or a plurality of unit doses may be contained in a package.The package may be a bottle, bag, or other container. In one embodiment,the package is a bottle, preferably a PET bottle comprising atranslucent portion to showcase the pastilles to a viewing consumer. Inone embodiment, the package comprises a single unit dose (e.g., trialsize sachet); or multiple unit doses (e.g., from about 15 unit doses toabout 30 unit doses).

Dosing

The aforementioned package may comprise a dosing means for dispensingthe pastilles from the package to a laundry washing machine (or laundrywash basin in hand washing applications). The user may use the dosingmeans to meter the recommended unit dose amount or simply use the dosingmeans to meter the pastilles according to the user's own scentpreference. Examples of a dosing means may be a dispensing cap, dome, orthe like, that is functionally attached to the package. The dosing meanscan be releasably detachable from the package and re-attachable to thepackage, such as for example, a cup mountable on the package. The dosingmeans may be tethered (e.g., by hinge or string) to the rest of thepackage (or alternatively un-tethered). The dosing means may have one ormore demarcations (e.g., fill-line) to indicate a recommend unit doseamount. The packaging may include instructions instructing the user toopen the removable opening of the package, and dispense (e.g., pour) thepastilles contained in the package into the dosing means. Thereafter,the user may be instructed to dose the pastilles contained in the dosingmeans to a laundry washing machine or laundry wash basin. The pastilleof the present invention may be used to add freshness to laundry. Thepackage including the dosing means may be made of plastic.

One embodiment can be a unit dose of a fabric treatment compositioncomprising a plurality of pastilles, wherein each pastille comprises:(a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition ofpolyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecularweight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12%by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% toabout 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfume microcapsule,wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; whereineach pastille has a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g; and whereinthe plurality of pastilles has a mass from about 13 g to about 27 g tocomprise the unit dose.

In one embodiment, the pastilles of the present invention can beadministered to a laundry machine as used during the “wash cycle” of thewashing machine (but a “rinse cycle” may also be used). In anotherembodiment, the pastilles of the present invention are administered in alaundry wash basin—during washing and/or rinsing laundry. In a laundryhand rinsing application, the pastille may further comprise an “antifoamagent” such as those available from Wacker. Antifoam agents (sudssuppressing systems) are described in U.S. Patent Publication No.20030060389 at 65-77.

Grams in a 17 g % Weight of Ingredient: unit Dose Composition PEG 800015 88.24%  Free (neat) Perfume  1 5.88% Perfume Microcapsule¹  1 5.88%(Encapsulated (0.32)   (1.88%) perfume)² Dye 0.0025 0.015%  ¹PMC is afriable PMC with a urea-formaldehyde shell from Appleton. About 50%water by weight of the PMC (including encapsulated perfume) is assumed.²Encapsulated perfume (within PMC) assumes about 32% active.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plurality of unit doses of pastilles for dosinginto a laundry machine, the plurality of unit doses of pastillescomprising: a. a package comprising a bottle and a dispensing cap thatis capable of holding a unit dose of pastilles having a combined mass ofabout 13 g to about 27 g; b. the plurality of unit doses of pastillesbeing disposed in the bottle and to be dosed via the dispensing cap, theplurality of unit doses of pastilles comprising a plurality ofpastilles; i. wherein individual pastilles of the plurality of pastillescomprise perfume, polyethylene glycol, and a mass from about 0.95 mg toabout 2 g; ii. wherein the plurality of pastilles comprises individualpastilles of different size, shape, and mass.
 2. The plurality of unitdoses of pastilles of claim 1, wherein the individual pastilles furthercomprise zeolite.
 3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein saidzeolite has a structural formula based on a crystal unit cell having asmallest unit of structure of Mm/n[AlO₂)m(SiO₂)y]H₂O, where n is thevalence of cation M, x is the number of water molecules per unit cell, mand y are the total number of tetrahedra per unit cell, and y/m is 1 to5.
 4. The plurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 1, wherein theindividual pastilles further comprise a dye.
 5. The plurality of unitdoses of pastilles of claim 1, wherein the individual pastilles have ashape comprising a flat surface.
 6. The plurality of unit doses ofpastilles of claim 1, wherein the individual pastilles have a shapecomprising a flat surface and a curved surface.
 7. The plurality of unitdoses of pastilles of claim 1, wherein the individual pastilles have ashape comprising a flat surface comprising a diameter, and a height, andwherein the ratio of height to diameter is from about 0.01 to about 0.4.8. A plurality of unit doses of pastilles for dosing into a laundrymachine, the plurality of unit doses of pastilles comprising: a. apackage comprising a bottle and a dispensing cap that is capable ofholding a unit dose of pastilles having a combined mass of about 13 g toabout 27 g; b. the plurality of unit doses of pastilles being disposedin the bottle and to be dosed via the dispensing cap, the plurality ofunit doses of pastilles comprising a plurality of pastilles; i. whereinindividual pastilles of the plurality of pastilles comprise perfumemicrocapsules, a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g, and polyethyleneglycol; ii. wherein the plurality of pastilles comprises individualpastilles of different size, shape, and mass.
 9. The plurality of unitdoses of pastilles of claim 8, wherein the bottle comprises PET plastic.10. The plurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 8, wherein thebottle comprises a portion through which a consumer can view thepastilles.
 11. The plurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 8,wherein the perfume microcapsules comprise melamine.
 12. The pluralityof unit doses of pastilles of claim 8, wherein the perfume microcapsulescomprise formaldehyde.
 13. The plurality of unit doses of pastilles ofclaim 8, wherein the perfume microcapsules comprise urea.
 14. Aplurality of unit doses of pastilles for dosing into a laundry machine,the plurality of unit doses of pastilles comprising: a. a packagecomprising a bottle and a dispensing cap; b. the plurality of unit dosesof pastilles being disposed in the bottle and to be dosed via thedispensing cap, the plurality of unit doses of pastilles comprising aplurality of pastilles; i. wherein individual pastilles of the pluralityof pastilles comprise perfume, a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g,and zeolite; ii. wherein the combined mass of the plurality of pastillesin the unit doses is at least 13 g; iii. wherein the plurality ofpastilles comprises individual pastilles of different size, shape, andmass.
 15. The plurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 14, whereinthe individual pastilles are essentially free of a detergent surfactant.16. The plurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 14, wherein theindividual pastilles are essentially free of an enzyme.
 17. Theplurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 14, wherein the individualpastilles are essentially free of a bleaching agent.
 18. The pluralityof unit doses of pastilles of claim 14, wherein the individual pastilleshave a shape comprising a flat surface.
 19. The plurality of unit dosesof pastilles of claim 14, wherein the individual pastilles have a shapecomprising a flat surface and a curved surface.
 20. The plurality ofunit doses of pastilles of claim 14, wherein the individual pastilleshave a shape comprising a flat surface comprising a diameter, and aheight, and wherein the ratio of height to diameter is from about 0.01to about 0.4.
 21. The plurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 14,wherein the individual pastilles further comprise a blue colorant. 22.The plurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 14, wherein theperfume comprises hexyl cinnamic aldehyde.
 23. The plurality of unitdoses of pastilles of claim 14, wherein the perfume comprises iononegamma methyl.
 24. The plurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 14,wherein the perfume comprises benzyl salicylate.
 25. The plurality ofunit doses of pastilles of claim 14, wherein the perfume comprises deltadarnscone.
 26. The plurality of unit doses of pastilles of claim 14,wherein the perfume comprises hexyl salicylate.
 27. The plurality ofunit doses of pastilles according to claim 14, wherein said zeolite hasa structural formula based on a crystal unit cell having a smallest unitof structure of Mm/n[AlO₂)m(SiO₂)y]H₂O, where n is the valence of cationM, x is the number of water molecules per unit cell, m and y are thetotal number of tetrahedra per unit cell, and y/m is 1 to 5.